Buffalo leather question

[eqsiu]

Okay all you who have had buffalo saddles for a few years- How are they wearing? Specifically on the edges of the seat where it meets the skirt? I cringe at the thought of calfskin because I've known too many that have split there after 5 or so years. Does the buffalo wear as well as it's supposed to?

[halla]

I bought one used (County) that was two years old and it looks new. I think the owner used it a good amount, but am not sure. She definitely took excellent care of it.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Does the buffalo wear as well as it's supposed to?


mine has....and I'm some what abusive to my tack.

[scubed]

I'm definitely a tack abuser and my buffalo saddle is now at least 5 or 6 years old, looks practically new, except for slight wear on flaps.

[EventMore]

My buffalo monoflap saddle has worn pretty significantly in three years on one horse.

[SevenDogs]

My buffalo monoflap saddle has worn pretty significantly in three years on one horse.

What brand is it, if I may ask?

[deltawave]

My dressage saddle (County Connection) is buffalo and it's pretty much wearing like iron. I even ride *gasp* in jeans from time to time! :eek: :lol:

It did get absolutely DRENCHED at a show last fall and is now just a very slight off-black because some of the dye came off (the saddle is 5 years old) but it's not getting worse, just looks a little weird. IME all black tack has that tendency, though. :dead:

[eqsiu]

Well this is certainly good to hear. Now I just need to find a saddle that fits me, my horse and is affordable. Piece if cake, right? :lol:

I had to ask because it seems that most of the decent saddles that have a chance of fitting my fat stumpy legs come in calfskin only. But used custom saddles are in the same price range as other used quality saddles, and many of them are buffalo, so maybe the same amount of searching can yield non-calfskin for me. :)

[sisu27]

My older than dirt Stubben Imperator is Buffalo and well...it's really old and still in great condition. Calfskin wouldn't stand a chance with me.

[FoxManRed]

"My dressage saddle (County Connection) is buffalo and it's pretty much wearing like iron. I even ride *gasp* in jeans from time to time!"

Deltawave -- just for clarification, the leather that County uses that looks like buffalo is actually embossed cowhide (not buffalo cows but regular, bovine cows....) They use a special process to tan the leather. It is very thick, soft leather which adds to the "grip" --
Alice

[deltawave]

Well heck, I've been deluded all this time! It is soft, thick, NICE leather. Don't suppose it really matters, in the end, but thanks for straightening me out! :)

[lesson junkie]

So-I've got a Smith Worthington Beaufort that I thought was buffalo-it's soft and thick and is wearing like iron-is it really buffalo or is it embossed cow hide? Not that it makes any difference at this point, I guess!